Tips to Beat the Summer Heat and How to Tell if Your AC is Running Efficiently

Keep doors and windows closed 

As dear old dad used to say, “Shut the door! We’re not trying to cool the whole neighborhood!” Letting in heat and humidity will make your home feel swampy even if the AC is running. Your system won’t be able to keep up with the temperature swings if you are constantly going in and out of the house. The unit will work extra hard to meet the temperature you have set and keeping a window open that allows hot air in is inefficient.

Keep the thermostat set at an even temperature

Your unit will not have to work as hard to cool the home if you leave it on one setting. Changing it by more than a few degrees (like when you bump it up when you leave for work and then turning it back down when you come home) will put unnecessary stress on the unit and can cause it to malfunction or not work efficiently. According to Energy.gov, general thermostat guidelines state you should set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer when you’re at home and awake to keep your energy bill low. The less the difference in temperature inside from the outside, the less cool air will escape from your home.

Use fans to circulate the air 

Ceiling or box fans can move the air, making your skin feel cooler even if the temperature remains the same. If you have a ceiling fan, set it to rotate counter-clockwise to push cool air down to the floor. Set a box fan under the AC unit to push the cool air through the house.

Change the air filter

It’s a good idea to replace pleated air filters in your home every 120 days, sooner if you have allergies or pets. Dust build-up can hinder allergies further and pet hair can clog filters.

Ensure vegetation is not crowding the outside unit 

We understand they’re not the prettiest thing to look at and people try to cover them up by planting bushes or flowers around them, but these units need proper airflow. If vegetation is crowding your outside unit, trim them back or remove the plants completely.